May 8, 2014, by Lindsay Brooke

University nursing students and staff join Florence Nightingale Parade

Students and staff from The University of Nottingham’s School of Health Sciences are to join nurses, midwives and carers from across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire in a parade celebrating the life of Florence Nightingale.

Raised in Derbyshire, The ‘Lady with the Lamp’ has a rich association with the county, having advised on the redevelopment of the former Derbyshire General Infirmary in the 1860s.

A plaque honouring Florence Nightingale will be presented as part of the event organised by Derby Cathedral to mark International Nurses Week.

The parade will be led by nurses and NHS staff in uniform. At 10.30am on Sunday 17 May 2014 they will leave St Peter’s Church and walk through the city centre to the Cathedral where a public commemorative service will take place.

Elaine Cook, Head of Division of Nursing in the School of Health Sciences, said: “The nurse educational programme based at The University of Nottingham in Derby continues the example set by Florence Nightingale of compassion and a diligent commitment to high quality patient care. We are therefore delighted to be involved in the presentation and blessing of a plaque commemorating her life in Derby cathedral as part of the celebrations surrounding International Nurses Week’.

The address will be given by Professor Lynn McDonald, author of ‘The Collected Works of Florence Nightingale’, with a reading from Liz Robb, Chief Executive of the Florence Nightingale Foundation. The plaque, carved by local mason John Shaw, will be dedicated by the Bishop of Derby, Alastair Redfern.

Florence and Derbyshire

Born in Florence, Italy, but mainly raised in Derbyshire, Florence Nightingale is most famous for her role treating the wounded during the Crimean War, imposing high standards of hygiene on makeshift wards. But she also advised on a redevelopment of the Derbyshire General Infirmary in the 1860s.

Florence was immortalised with a statue on the site and the whole area is to be named the Nightingale Quarter in recognition of her work.

The public service will begin at 11am, with people attending advised to be seated by 10.45am.

All NHS staff in any role, from all faiths and all NHS organisations are invited to join the celebration. Please email dhft.ncore@nhs.net if you are interested in attending. Public tickets are also available in the Derby Cathedral Café and Bookshop, Iron Gate, from 7 April.

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